What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is the ancient practice of one person companioning with another to deepen their relationship with the Divine. Each person has their own knowing of how God uniquely speaks to them and moves in their lives. The role of a Spiritual Director is to facilitate and support this attunement so one can recognize more acutely the voice of the Divine.
A Sacred Conversation is cultivated in a space where the Spiritual Director powerfully listens to both the Pilgrim, and to the Spirit. In response, the Spiritual Director offers open-ended questions, along with curious or even challenging reflections. Together, the Spiritual Director and the Pilgrim explore how the presence of God is moving in their lives.
In addition to prayerful listening and observations, the Spiritual Director may also invite the Pilgrim to moments of silence, contemplative listening to scripture, guided prayer, or explore various spiritual disciplines.
My Story and Calling
I come from the beautiful tapestry of a small-town church upbringing steeped in the traditions of ancient hymns and the wisdom of the Holy Scriptures. Raised in a community where faith was a cornerstone, I was instilled with absolutes and truths that formed the bedrock of my beliefs. Although grateful for this foundation, my journey took a transformative turn in my mid-30s, as the certainty I once held began to crumble, giving way to a profound questioning and exploration of my faith. Along this new path, my understanding of God expanded beyond the confines of what I once knew. Accepting the mystery of the Divine has become central to my spiritual growth, leading me to a deeper, more authentic connection. I now embrace the uncertainty of God and faith.
My life has been a mosaic of imperfections, marked by moments of both profound joy and heart-wrenching disappointment. I've grappled with the paradox of unanswered prayers and the complexities of faith amidst trials. Yet, through it all, my belief in the Divine remains unwavering, serving as my guiding light through life's ebbs and flows.
In 2012, I became an Ordained Minister. My commitment to ordination was guided by this declaration from Scripture "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." Two years ago, I embarked on a new chapter of my journey, graduating from George W. Truett Seminary with a certification in Spiritual Direction. I see every experience in my life as equipping me to hold sacred space for others, whether in moments of blessing or in times of struggle.
As I continue to walk this path, I trust in God's continuous redemption for my life. In turn, I pray to be a vessel of redemption for others through the ministry of Spiritual Direction. This is my prayer, my purpose, and my commitment.
With gratitude,
Kellye Hancock, Spiritual Director